THE PIEATES OF SEGXA. 357 



ornament of singular device, which soon attracted 

 universal attention. Above the rim of a golden 

 comb, richly chased and studded with brilliants, 

 arose a peacock with expanded tail. The tody was 

 of chased gold in imitation of feathers, the arching 

 neck was a mosaic-work of precious stones, the eyes 

 were sparkling diamonds of the purest water, and 

 the feathers of the tail glittered with emeralds, 

 rubies, and sapphires of singular beauty and lustre. 

 So great was the curiosity excited by the dazzling 

 splendour of these jewels, that the fair wearer was 

 followed roxind the room by a train of ladies, anxious 

 to observe at leisure a display of ornaments so extra- 

 ordinary, and whispering to sympathising ears con- 

 jectures not over charitable to the counsellor's wife. 

 \Vhen at length she had seated herself upon one of 

 the sofas which lined the walls, a circle of admiring 

 gazers was formed, whose numbers were rapidly in- 

 creased by the attendant cavaliers. While the lady 

 was enjoying her triumph, a bustle at the entrance 

 of the hall turned every head in that direction, when 

 the cause appeared in the person of the young arch- 

 duke, who entered in full costume, followed by a 

 group of courtiers, and accompanied by a Venetian 

 cavalier of tall and commanding person, with whom 

 he appeared to be in earnest discourse. The stranger 

 was a large-boned, spare, and powerful man of middle 

 age, and attired in a black vest and pantaloons of 

 woven silk, with a short cloak of the same hue. 



